Q. Do I need to buy a bin to make compost?Q. What can I put in the compost heap?Q. What does not go into the compost heap? What materials can I not compost?Q. Can I put weeds in my compost heap?Q. What’s the easiest way to compost, without all the turning of the heap?Q. How often do I turn the pile?Q. How can I speed up the process? Is shredding a good idea?Q. Can I use compost as mulch? Q. What about “green manures” and composting them in place by turning them under?Q. What about vermicomposting, or composting in worm bins?Q. Where can I learn more about composting?
Q. Do I need to buy a bin to make compost?
A. What method of composting you use should be determined by the volume of material created in the yard (and to a lesser degree, in the kitchen, where vegetable scraps, egg shells and coffee and tea grounds can be collected for the heap, too). I create far too much raw material for a typical homeowner-sized bin-type system, the commercially available kind made of metal or heavy plastic or mesh that are about as big as a washing machine.
I used to have one of those, a metal one that shut tight and thereby kept animals out, to hold my vegetable food wastes, alternating them with layers of garden debris and a little soil or finished compost to get things activated and reduce any chance of unpleasant odors. Now I just dig a hole in the main heap and bury food scraps or sprinkle soil on them to deter pests.
The latest rage is all about lobster-trap-wire bins, meaning really durable mesh (even under the ocean day in and out).
You can make an easy, inexpensive “pen” sort of bin with chickenwire and rot-proof stakes.
My main heap is about 40 feet long and 5 or 6 feet wide, a long, open pile that in composting jargon is called a
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Plants play a positive role in promoting a healthy day to day life by stimulating the five human senses – Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch. Here are some awesome Sensory Houseplants for a Stimulating Indoor Garden that you can grow with ease to add an appeal to your rooms and enrich the life experience.
When it comes to overall enhancement of your garden on a more strategic level, your best solution will arguably be a landscaping one. Sure, throwing in some pretty plants in the back yard is certainly necessary, but you can hardly beat the blend of emotions, sizes and shapes that a fully executed landscaping project gives to the home-owners.
In 2016 we saw the rise of many trends that we believe changed gardening for the better. A year characterised by an almost nostalgic longing for a rustic appearance, it pushed aside the colossal and over-the-top gardens in favour of more practical, cosy, and colour-rich spaces.
While flowering trees are what you want, drought tolerant trees are what you need. Fortunately, there are a number of drought resistant flowering trees that will adorn your garden while requiring minimal water. These types of plants can form the bones of a water wise landscape.
Violas are more than just small pansies in fact Pansies are just over blown Violas. They are both in the family that also includes many species of Violets, Violas and Violettas.
1. Sunflowers. One of the most rewarding plants to grow from seed is the sunflower. You can sow seed in March – May. April is a great time. For best results. Try sowing seed in 3 inch pots. Protect from slugs and keep well watered. After a few weeks the seedlings can be planted out. Sunflowers will need staking. But part of the fun is seeing them grow so rapidly. – Growing Sunflowers
Trees small enough for your garden can still provide a range of interest. That may be leave shape, blossom, berries, bark or colour changes. This selection grow 15-50 feet high with a maximum spread of 30 feet.
When summer temperatures soar, heat-loving flowers will continue to thrive. Even heavy humidity won’t get them down. If you live in a warm climate, heat-friendly flowers are a necessity. If time is an issue, choose low maintenance, heat-tolerant flowers that don’t need deadheading or lots of water.
Q. I have leftover seeds from last year. How long do seeds last, or remain viable?Q. How do I do a germination test of leftover seeds?Q. When do I start which seeds in my Zone?Q. Can I grow my seedlings on the windowsill? Will I need grow lights?Q. How many hours a day do I run my lights?Q. What are heating mats or germination mats? Must I use one to get seeds to grow?Q. What kind of soil do I start my seed in? Can I use regular potting soil, compost, or garden soil?Q. I need a basic how-to on starting seeds.Q. What seeds do I start outdoors, right in the ground?Q. I am confused by claims of “organic” seed and other words like “sustainable” seed. Does it matter what I buy?Q. Who sells organic seed? Where can I find it?Q. What about the genetically modified or GMO seed that I hear so much about in the headlines?Q. Where can I shop for good-quality seed; what are your favorite catalogs?Q. How do you figure out what to buy in the seed catalogs? So many beautiful choices!Q. How do I grow tomatoes from seed?Q. All my spinach and lettuce matured at once, then I had none. Why? What is succession sowing of seeds?Q. What are some of the seeds you order for yourself, Margaret?Q. Can I grow garlic from seed?Q. Can I grow potatoes from seed?Q. Can I grow asparagus from seed?Q. Can I grow clematis from seed?